Reducing inequalities in access to general practice services

Ensuring everyone can access services on an equal footing is a key priority for the NHS. One of the seven core requirements for implementing improved access, as set out in the NHS Operational Planning and Contracting Guidance 2017-19, is to address issues of inequalities in patients’ experience of accessing general practice, identified by local evidence, and put actions in place to resolve this.

a guide in assessing local issues, supporting local equality analyses and providing examples of how barriers arise at different points on patient pathway journey, starting at the point where the patient identifies a health problem through to getting appointments and the experience of attending general practice services;

practical tips on a wide range of issues related to protected characteristics and other groups who experience barriers to healthcare, for example through homelessness;

quick links to video clips, learning materials for practice staff, case studies, examples of good practice and a wealth of information on NHS England’s website.

Addressing inequalities in access to general practice

This animation aims to demonstrate the patient pathway to general practice services, where inequalities in access may be experienced, and some practice solutions to address this.